Just getting back

[CPP]

Just getting back in to vinyl since my MicroSeiki BL-91 and the supporting AR-PH6 took a hit from mother nature many years ago. . Looking for a phono stage in the 1000 -1500 range. I've heard some nice things about Musical Surroundings Nova II. Also looking at the Soundsmith MCP2, even looking at the ifi Phono. Been talking with MDP for some nice ideas, and the ifi phono sounds interesting and has some nice reviews. Idea's ?

Cartridge ; Ortofon MC Quintet Black, or Bronze, Dynavector DV20XH or ? up to $1200
TT: Classic 1 after the first of the year.

Music; Classic Rock, Smooth Jazz, Blues, Classical Guitar

 

[MikeCh]

Hi Chris,

I'd like to suggest the Lehmann Black Cube SE II (two chassis phono) that's in the same price range as the Nova II. I tried both paired with my VPI Classic 2 while using a Dynavector 20X2H cartridge and Ortofon Cadenza Bronze and chose the Lehmann. The Lehmann is extremely flexible (settings-wise) and will give you room to grow should you decide to upgrade your cartridge or TT down the road. It's got great drive, produces a vivid & wide sound stage and is dynamic as all get out with a dead black background. I love mine.

Fremer had great things to say about it too:
http://www.analogplanet.com/content...mmc-phono-preamp-reviewed#hoGIKOPPzF1yQFk9.97
http://www.analogplanet.com/content/gruvy-awards-phono-preamps#gagLr2t5s7qbRDz7.97

And in a listener comparo where the Black Cube SE II came in second to Fremer's big rig:
http://www.analogplanet.com/content...ults-and-files-identified#jMRcvZbCLP0PYEO6.97

Lehmann site:
https://www.lehmannaudio.com/phono-stages/black-cube-se-ii.html

I've got the Lehmann here in my upstairs setup now as I needed a selectable EQ phono in my main setup for listening to older mono LP's. The Lehmann has proven itself as a gem for flexibility and sonics in my upstairs vinyl rig too.

Good luck and let us know where you end up!

 

[CPP]

Hi Chris,

I'd like to suggest the Lehmann Black Cube SE II (two chassis phono) that's in the same price range as the Nova II. I tried both paired with my VPI Classic 2 while using a Dynavector 20X2H cartridge and Ortofon Cadenza Bronze and chose the Lehmann. The Lehmann is extremely flexible (settings-wise) and will give you room to grow should you decide to upgrade your cartridge or TT down the road. It's got great drive, produces a vivid & wide sound stage and is dynamic as all get out with a dead black background. I love mine.

Fremer had great things to say about it too:
http://www.analogplanet.com/content...mmc-phono-preamp-reviewed#hoGIKOPPzF1yQFk9.97
http://www.analogplanet.com/content/gruvy-awards-phono-preamps#gagLr2t5s7qbRDz7.97

And in a listener comparo where the Black Cube SE II came in second to Fremer's big rig:
http://www.analogplanet.com/content...ults-and-files-identified#jMRcvZbCLP0PYEO6.97

Lehmann site:
https://www.lehmannaudio.com/phono-stages/black-cube-se-ii.html

I've got the Lehmann here in my upstairs setup now as I needed a selectable EQ phono in my main setup for listening to older mono LP's. The Lehmann has proven itself as a gem for flexibility and sonics in my upstairs vinyl rig too.

Good luck and let us know where you end up!

Thank you Mike for the information